Taxonomic identity of invasive rabbits in Cuba: first record of Eastern Cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha) | Zendy

Carlos A. Mancina | Zendy; Efrén García Tió | Zendy; Rafael BorrotoPáez | Zendy; Hector M. Díaz | Zendy; Fernando A. Cervantes | Zendy

Open Access

Taxonomic identity of invasive rabbits in Cuba: first record of Eastern Cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha)

Author(s) -

Carlos A. Mancina,

Efrén García Tió,

Rafael BorrotoPáez,

Hector M. Díaz,

Fernando A. Cervantes

Publication year - 2015

Publication title -

check list

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 0.276

H-Index - 22

ISSN - 1809-127X

DOI - 10.15560/11.6.1820

Subject(s) - archipelago , biology , zoology , ecology , lagomorpha , niche , geography , european rabbit , population , demography , sociology

In islands of the West Indian zoogeographical region, rabbits are not native, and wild populations are the result of introductions. Oryctolagus cuniculus is the only lagomorph listed among the introduced mammals of the Cuban archipelago. We analyzed specimens of wild rabbits and we report the occurrence of Sylvilagus floridanus for the first time in Cuba. Capture data suggest that their distribution is currently limited to the west-central region of the island. However, the niche models showed high climatic suitability throughout the majority of Cuba, suggesting a high expansion probability.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.

Having issues? You can contact us here

Accelerating Research